Don't get caught out – if you, like many British motorists, have failed to renew your driving licence photo ID, simply because you were unaware of the new rules and requirements, follow our handy guide to ensure you don’t get a fine.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), almost 40,000 UK drivers are unaware their photo ID cards are now up for renewal and face a fine of up to £1,000.
Unlike the old green paper licences, which were valid until the driver was 70, the ID photocards, which replaced them in 1998, expire after ten years. Drivers risk prosecution if stopped by police and may also find that their car insurance providers refuse to pay out on claims they make if they fail to renew on time.

It is a legal requirement that drivers renew the photograph on their photocard licences every ten years. The first renewals took place in May 2008, and drivers receive a reminder 56 days before the photograph on their licence is due to expire. To check when your licence is due for renewal, read the small print on your photocard, which shows the expiry date.
Renewals currently cost £20, and only drivers who hold a medical short period licence or are aged 70 or over are exempt from this fee.

The DVLA will send you a renewal application pack two months before your photo is due to expire. You’ll need to:
• Complete the licence renewal form.
• Provide a new passport type photo of yourself that’s been taken within the last month (you don’t need the back of the photo signed).
• Return both parts of your driving licence (photocard and counterpart document).
• Enclose a cheque or postal order for £20.00 made payable to the DVLA.

To help make it easier and more convenient for drivers to comply, the DVLA has announced the launch of a new service in association with the Post Office. From April 2010, a new 'one-stop' facility, which will be available at 750 Post Offices around the country, will allow drivers to have their application scanned, their picture taken and their signature captured electronically at the counter.
The updated information will be sent immediately via secure electronic link to DVLA, who will then post out a new photocard licence to your home address.

Your driving licence entitlement will expire when you reach the age of 70. However, if you want to continue to drive, you can apply to renew your entitlement with the DVLA. Once the DVLA has received your valid application, you can drive before you receive your new licence as long as you:
• Have held a Great Britain or Northern Ireland licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence.
• Are not disqualified from driving for any reason.
• Have not been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquiries.
• Would not be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, consult yourGP).
• Keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence.